Lesley Jane Seymour: Resolve, Reflect, or Both?

As you know from my earlier blog post, each January, I put myself through a semi-formal three-step process. I call it the “3Rs,” in which I reflect on what I’ve accomplished, learned, and completely dropped the ball on; I resolve on which areas to focus in the new year; and, probably the most difficult, I “release”—that is, shake off—the small hurts, frustrations, and negativity accumulated over the year so that I can truly make a fresh start.

Ever curious about how others approach being their “best,” I asked women in my networks how they approached a new year.

What did you learn in 2012 that you will carry over to 2013? What will you leave behind?

How to do transcendental meditation (TM) and slow my life down and really smell the roses. I did it with the David Lynch Foundation, and it was enlightening. They teach their form of TM to veterans who use it to combat PTSD. They also teach kids with ADHD. It really lowers your stress.

I am a moving-forward person, and I pick a new idea or engagement for each year.

What I will leave behind: college-entry agita. My daughter finished applying to college on January 1st and I WILL NEVER HAVE TO GO THROUGH THAT AGAIN! My son is graduating from college this year. Gearing up for the college push is an awful stress on the family and the child, and I am glad to be done with it.

How do you approach a new year—do you resolve, reflect, or do both?

I am a moving-forward person, and I pick a new idea or engagement for each year. For example, two years ago I decided to change my black thumb into a green one, and lo and behold with a little research, a little effort, and a watering can, I actually have become a top flight gardener, growing hundreds of plants each year from seed (PS: It helps to water the plants!). This year, I would like to learn to sail. We have lived near the water for the past 17 years and I have never tried boating!

What was the best way you used your time this past year?

To really connect with people. I stopped the buzz and chatter constantly in my ear, (hence the study of TM) and look people in the eye and hear what they were/are saying, especially my kids. It really makes you feel like you are living your life instead of having it whiz by you.

What is something you are better at today than you were a year ago?

I learned how to really cook vegetarian. I have a new god I follow: Yotam Ottolenghi, a hot new chef from London who wrote the cookbooks “Plenty” and “Jerusalem.” Fabulous, tasty, and unexpected celebrations of veggies; this is not the old idea of tofurky! It is amazing food and even my carnivorous family is coming around.